Family-Friendly
McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI, Offers Major League Fun with the Minor
League Pawtucket Red Sox

by
Eric H.

If you long for the old
days of going to a ballpark where prices are low, the spirit high and
the chance to have fun undeniable, then consider a visit to McCoy
Stadium in Pawtucket, RI, as part of your New England travel.

Home
to the
Boston Red Sox' Triple A minor league affiliate Pawtucket Red Sox,
McCoy Stadium resides in a gritty area of Pawtucket. The ride
through
this mid-sized city does not exactly remind one of, say, Cape Cod, but
once you're at the stadium, the feeling of being in a family-friendly
baseball oasis
resonates like the wallop of a home run.

The
free
parking is a breeze if you get there early enough, thanks to the large
lot surrounding the ballpark. Your good mood can be sustained upon
approaching the ticket booth (better yet, reserve to ensure getting a
ticket) where box seats cost $11.00, general admission $7.00 and senior
citizen and children's tickets (ages 12 and under) $5.00. Therefore,
there is no need to contact your mortgage company to get a loan to
watch a baseball game.

Better
yet is
the inside where the 1998-99 renovations (the ballpark was originally
built in 1941) have created a spacious, family, fan friendly
masterpiece where the 10, 031 seating capacity provides comfort and
good views, easy access to the modern concession stands and get this, clean
restroom facilities. The outfield fences go no more than 375
ft., thus creating an intimate, watchable setting.The
efforts put into making McCoy Stadium a world-class place to watch
minor league baseball was confirmed by the record-breaking 688,421 fans
who attended this perfectly manicured baseball ballpark during the 2005
season.

The
glory of
watching players generally try their best -- because they want to make
it to the majors -- makes for a modern day revelation in a greedy,
it's-all-about-the-money player-agent mentality that many times impedes
the major leagues and hurts the fan's pocketbook. On the contrary,
McCoy Stadium makes you feel right at home because the emphasis is on
baseball. Imagine that!

The
spirit of
minor league baseball does seem at its apex at McCoy Stadium because
the layout is well thought out, good security watches out for any bad
fan elements, and that the food is above average, as much as hot dogs,
popcorn and other beloved American food and drinks can be. Further
enhancing the experience centers on the parent Boston Red Sox' recent
vision -- under the guidance of General Manager Theo Epstein -- to
build up the farm system. Unbeknown to former Red Sox generations who
had to watch slow, white first baseball and injury prone outfielders
promoted as prospects, this era can watch some of the best prospects in
all of minor league baseball. This new era includes Boston Red Sox
stars infielders Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis, outfielder Jacoby
Ellsbury, and pitchers Jon
Lester and Jonathan Papelbon.

Family
nights
with different themes abound at McCoy Stadium, and the gift shop is
modern, well laid out with reasonably priced merchandise. The great
city of Providence is minutes away, providing great after game
activities or dining, particularly a trip to the colorful Italian
Federal Hill to grab some of the best pizza in New England (Sicilia's
is the best choice here).

McCoy
Stadium
makes for a wonderful family event, proving old-fashioned ways combined
with modern amenities brings the best of both worlds to baseball fans
searching for the purity of America's Pastime. It is right here at
McCoy Stadium, a New England baseball landmark and a great American
ballpark.

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Rates and event dates are subject to change. We recommend calling your
New England
destination first before setting out on the planned itinerary.